Reproductive Physiology Flashcards
Define Puberty.
developmental phase between childhood and adulthood whereby functional maturation of reproductive glands and external genitalia mediated by changes in sex hormones (GnRH, FSH, LH)
What are does adrenarche generally occur?
6-8 years old
What is Adrenarche?
Adrenal gland secretes androgens (DHEA)
Androgens cause growth spurt, pubic hair growth begins and breast development starts
What is Menarche?
Onset of menstrual cycle
- Mature ova produced
- Increase GnRH –> Increase FSH and LH
- Ovaries responsive to FSH
- Ovaries (theca cells) respond to LH by androgen and oestrogen production
What age does Menarche begin?
10-16 years old
State 3 examples of female phenotypic changes in Puberty
Pubic hair
Growth and maturation of reproductive tract: uterus and external genitalia
Fat deposition: breasts, buttocks, thighs
Closure of epiphyseal plates: Stop growing (end of puberty)
State 3 examples of male phenotypic changes in Puberty
Testicular enlargement
Pubic hair growth
Growth of larynx
Deepening of voice
Increased bone mass
Increased mass and strength of skeletal muscle
Thickened skin
Increased and thickened hair on trunk, arms, legs and face
What is the term for the index used to measure secondary sexual characteristics in M or F?
What are the broad categories?
Tanner Stages (sexual maturity ratings for assessment of secondary sexual characteristics)
F:
- Pubic hair (Ph1-6)
- Breast development (B1-5)
M:
- Pubic hair (Ph1-6)
- Genital development (G1-5)
What is the Female Monthly Sexual Cycle?
Ovarian Cycle + Menstrual Cycle
What are the two phases of the Ovarian cycle?
Follicular phase
Luteal phase
Which of the following does not occur in the follicular phase?
A. Days 1-14
B. Raised progesterone and oestrogen
C. Maturation of the egg
D. Ovulation signals its end
B. Raised progesterone and oestrogen
Which of the following does not occur in the follicular phase?
A. Days 1-14
B. Follicle produces oestrogen
C. Maturation of the egg
D. Ovulation signals its beginning
D. Ovulation signals its beginning
Which of the following is not true for the luteal phase?
A. Days 15-28
B. Development of corpus luteum
C. Corpus luteum produces Progesterone only
D. Induces preparation of reproductive tract for pregnancy
C. Corpus luteum produces Progesterone only
Which of the following is not true for the luteal phase?
A. Days 15-28
B. Development of corpus luteum
C. Corpus luteum produces Progesterone and Oestrogen
D. Induces preparation of reproductive tract for menstruation
D. Induces preparation of reproductive tract for menstruation
In the follicular phase, which of the following is true?
A. GnRH decreases prior to FSH and LH rise
B. Rising FSH and LH stimulates oestrogen
C. Oestrogen levels inhibit both FSH and LH
D. Inhibin inhibits H release only
B. Rising FSH and LH stimulates oestrogen
Outline the follicular phase of the hormonal control of the female monthly sexual cycle.
GnRH rise from Hypothalamus
FSH + LH rise at beginning of cycle from Anterior Pituitary gland
Rising FSH + LH stimulates oestrogen production
Oestrogen inhibits FSH but not tonic LH
Inhibin also inhibits FSH
Moderate oestrogen stimulated positive feedback ≈ more oestrogen
Note: Menstrual phase (4 days) causes endometrium disintegration
Note: Proliferative phase (6-14 days) allows thickening of endometrium due to oestrogen levels
Outline the luteal phase of the hormonal control of the female monthly sexual cycle.
High oestrogen ≈ elevated LH (positive feedback) ≈ LH burger ≈ ovulation
Ruptured follicle becomes corpus luteum
Corpus luteum produces Progesterone and oestrogen to inhibit LH and FSH production
10 days.. corpus luteum degenerate and progesterone and oestrogen levels significantly drop with FSH and LH no longer repressed
FSH and LH increased as new cycle begins
What is the major phase regarding menstrual effects which occurs during the Luteal hormonal phase?
Secretory (Progestational) phase
Progesterone stimulates maintenance and development of endometrium for correct environment should ovum fertilisation occur
State 2 functions of the corpus luteum
Oestrogen production = endometrium thickening
Progesterone production = endometrium development and maintenance
Inhibition of LH and FSH
What is the menopause?
Last menstrual period due to reduced oestrogen and oocyte supply diminished with 12 months of cessation of periods occurring after 45 years, mean age 51
Give 3 symptoms of the menopause
Amenorrhea (> 12 months) Hot flushes Low mood Night sweats Hirsutism Reduced libido Vaginal atrophy Vaginal dryness Irregular menses Dry skin and dry hair
Give a suggested reason for the aetiology of Menopause.
- Oocyte depletion (low quality)
- Insensitive to LH and FSH
- Age-related CNS changes cause reduced GnRH secretion
State 3 potential complications of the menopause.
- CVD
- CVI
- OP
- Breast Ca risk reduced
- Hirsutism
What is the andropause?
symptoms/decline in general health associated with decrease in testosterone in older men (> 50 years old)
Give a suggested aetiological cause of the andropause.
- Gonadal LH insensitivity
- Androgen production reduced
- Serum LH and FSH increased
State 5 functions of the female reproductive system.
- Ova production
- Receive sperm
- Capacitation
- Transport sperm and ova to site of fertilisation
- Gestation
- Parturition
- Nourishment of infant by lactation
What is the primary function of the Ovaries with regards to reproductive functions?
A. Site of fertilisation
B. Receptacle for sperm and birth canal
C. Allow sperm through to uterus
D. Maturation and release of ova
D. Maturation and release of ova
What is the primary function of the Uterus with regards to reproductive functions?
A. Site of fertilisation
B. Receptacle for sperm and birth canal
C. Allow sperm through to uterus
D. Maintain foetus during gestation and expel in postpartum
D. Maintain foetus during gestation and expel in postpartum
What is the primary function of the Oviducts with regards to reproductive functions?
A. Site of fertilisation
B. Receptacle for sperm and birth canal
C. Allow sperm through to uterus
D. Maintain foetus during gestation and expel in postpartum
A. Site of fertilisation
What is the primary function of the Vagina with regards to reproductive functions?
A. Site of fertilisation
B. Receptacle for sperm and birth canal
C. Allow sperm through to uterus
D. Maintain foetus during gestation and expel in postpartum
B. Receptacle for sperm and birth canal
What is the primary function of the Vaginal opening with regards to reproductive functions?
A. Allow penis in/baby out
B. Receptacle for sperm and birth canal
C. Allow sperm through to uterus
D. Maintain foetus during gestation and expel in postpartum
A. Allow penis in/baby out
What is the primary function of the Cervix with regards to reproductive functions?
A. Allow penis in/baby out
B. Receptacle for sperm and birth canal
C. Allow sperm through to uterus
D. Maintain foetus during gestation and expel in postpartum
C. Allow sperm through to uterus
What is oogenesis?
form of gametogenesis in which mitotic and meiotic divisions occur to produce an ovum (female gamete)
Outline the process of Oogenesis.
Primordial germ cells arrest in meiosis I = primary oocytes
Primary oocytes arranged in gonads in clusters around follicular cells –> primordial follicles
Stages:
Pre-Antral:
1º oocyte grows
Follicular cells grow and proliferate to form stratified cuboidal epithelium (= granulosa cells)
Granulosa cells secrete glycoproteins to form zona pellucida around 1º oocyte
CT differentiates to become theca folliculi, responsive to LH –> secrete androgens
Antral:
Fluid-filled spaces form between granuloa cells ≈ secondary follicles which become dominant under influence of FSH, LH and oestrogen
Pre-ovulatory stage:
LH burger induces pre-ovulatory stage
Meiosis II occurs with first polar body creating two and secondary oocyte arrests in metaphase of meiosis II, 3 hours prior to ovulation
Which is the primary reproductive function of the penis?
A. Produce sperm
B. Suspend testes
C. Secrete semen to suspend and sustain sperm
D. transfer sperm to female
D. transfer sperm to female
Which is the primary reproductive function of the scrotum?
A. Produce sperm
B. Suspend testes
C. Secrete semen to suspend and sustain sperm
D. transfer sperm to female
B. Suspend testes
Which is the primary reproductive function of the accessory glands?
A. Produce sperm
B. Suspend testes
C. Secrete semen to suspend and sustain sperm
D. transfer sperm to female
C. Secrete semen to suspend and sustain sperm
Which is the primary reproductive function of the testes?
A. Produce sperm
B. Suspend testes
C. Secrete semen to suspend and sustain sperm
D. transfer sperm to female
A. Produce sperm
Outline the route by which sperm exits the scrotum
SEVEN UP
Seminiferous tubules
Epididymis
Vas Deferens
Ejaculatory duct
NOTHING
Urethra
Penis
State the 4 stages of Sexual Arousal.
- Excitement: sexual awareness
- Plateau: Excitement intensification
- Orgasm: Intense physical pleasure
- Resolution: Post-orgasm refractory period
Which of the following is not a part of the plateau phase of Sexual Arousal?
A. Tenting effect
B. Enlarge upper 1/2 vagina
C. Excitement intensification
D. Testicular vasocongestion + erection
D. Testicular vasocongestion + erection